Reviews: 3M

After seeing some plane restorations by LJ ‘ToddJB’ back in December, I was glad to see someone asked him how he got such a terrific surface on the sides of his planes. His ‘workhorse’ as he referred to it, was a simple burnishing wheel! He claimed it would take a plane from rusty to shiny in one step! I had to have one of these, a hundred of my planes are in queue for restoration, and it’s taking me forever!
So, I purchased a 3M burnishing wheel, the exact...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z53WKU/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i02
After trying a few masks, this one is definitely the best so far. I rarely give 5 stars, and in fact this is my first 5 star item that I have used. Its comfortable, inexpensive, and has a down firing exhaust that prevents any condensation on safety glasses. The adjustments for the straps are easy and it has the best detachment mechanism so you aren’t wearing out the adjustments.
Cost: ~$20
I am using the ...

I’m not that good at wearing the disposable dust masks that I have. I just don’t like them. So, I end up not wearing them all the time.
I was reading one of Bill Pentz's pieces on dust collection, and he emphasized how importance it was to wear a good dust mask and recommended this 3M 7500 series mask (7501 is small, 7502 is medium, 7503 is large—I use the medium). I assumed it was really expensive. Turns out that to buy the mask and a set of 3M 6001 Organic Vapor Car...

I suggested some time ago that Lee Valley carry luthier’s binding tape, as it has usefulness for many of us on a day to day basis. After some searching they were able to track down a supplier and have offered it for sale on their store.
Here’s an example of I use it in the guitar shop:
This tape is quite simply indispensable for any woodworker and likely most home’s toolbox. The tape is strong enough to wrap around a joint and not break, while having some elasticit...

I bought this stuff from Tools for Working Wood a couple of months ago and have been using it since:
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/dept/THS/item/ST-MAF.XX/3M_Micro_Abrasive_Film__for_Scary_Sharpening_-_PSA
This finishing film from 3M is used in place of sandpaper for Scary Sharp. The grit of these are measured in microns. Tools for Working Wood has an article that gives a rough equivalency to the water stone grits. I.e. 1 micron is equivalent to a 1,000 grit stone. Please...

I think they are much better than the usual doubble stick tapes such as carpet tape that I’ve been using for years. These tabs come in a variety of sizes and are intended for use as refills for many clips, hangers, etc used for wall hanging.When you use them wood to wood, wood to metal, etc just leave the tab exposed and when comes time to remove them pull the tab to release the adhesive, no sticky residue to clean up, no damaged wood surface, no struggles, no hassle. They are ...

I recently purchased an HVLP system and wanted to buy a respirator to go with it to avoid inhaling the atomized overspray. I went with the 3M 7500 because Marc (The Wood Whisperer) did a segment on his podcast about respirators in which he recommended it.
I purchased the bare respirator with no filters, then added a set of the P100 filters. The resiprator is quite lightweight and isn’t a nuisance to have on your face, which I think is important because is your safety gear is a hass...

My garage is my workshop. It is also my spray room. Each time I spray, I need to drape sections of the garage with some form of plastic. I had just about given up spraying due to the hassle dealing with the 9×12 plastic sheets, then I discovered 3M Advanced Masking Film. The film comes in a roll about 12.5 inches tall. You tape the film up without unfolding it. Once the 12.5 inch wide film is taped up, you pull down on the back of the film and the it unfolds to a full 99 inches. I...

I’m pretty certain I’m going to catch crap for posting this product for review because it’s not necessarily a woodworking product but I believe that once you hear me out you’ll think twice and be willing to give the product a try.
Every wood worker gets boo-boos. It’s in the nature of our passion. I have yet to find a band-aid like product that will sufficiently cover the wound and stay stuck while still being able to use my hands in the motions I require whe...

I bought this today, after I knew I was going to do a lot of sanding. I’ve been using the paper masks for a while and I hate them. I hate how the paper ones make you breath hot air and are really stuffy. I also hate how they never fit right.
Opening 3m Respirator was easy and it was easy to assemble. All you have to do is attach the filters. There is two head straps on the respirator. The top one starts off as one strap but splits into two and cradles your head comfortably. The bott...